Manchester Utd predicted line-up v Galatasaray: Ten Hag faces attacking dilemma with Rashford out
Manchester United announced a 22-man travelling squad for Wednesday’s trip to Galatasaray.
Lisandro Martinez, Jonny Evans, Tyrell Malacia, Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Amad all missed out through injury, while Marcus Rashford is suspended and Jadon Sancho remains frozen out by Erik ten Hag.
But Antony and Rasmus Hojlund were named in the squad despite missing Saturday’s game against Everton. Ten Hag confirmed in his press conference that both would travel to Turkey but didn’t say whether either would be available to start.
However, the United boss revealed he has no qualms about selecting Kobbie Mainoo. The teenager started his first United game on Sunday and played a starring role in the 3-0 win at Goodison Park.
He will face competition in midfield from Sofyan Amrabat, Bruno Fernandes, Dan Gore, Hannibal and Scott McTominay, all of whom have been named in the travelling squad.
In the attacking areas, Antony and Hojlund join Alejandro Garnacho, Anthony Martial and Facundo Pellistri as options, while Joe Hugill has been handed a call-up. They join seven defenders in the travelling squad: Diogo Dalot, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Sergio Reguilon, Luke Shaw, Raphael Varane and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Like Mainoo, Shaw returned from a long-term injury on Sunday and might play his first Champions League match of the season.
With that in mind, here’s how United could line up in Turkey…
1. GK: Andre Onana
Has conceded 11 in four Champions League matches this season.
2. RB: Aaron Wan-Bissaka-
Dalot started at Goodison, but Ten Hag may revert to more defensively astute Wan-Bissaka.
3. CB: Harry Maguire
Played well on Sunday and has established himself as first-choice centre-back in recent weeks.
4. CB: Victor Lindelof
Has started the last two and is preferred ahead of Varane at present.
5. LB: Luke Shaw
Expected to start at left-back, even if there’s a small risk that Shaw might be rushed back too quickly from a long-term injury
6. CM: Kobbie Mainoo
Ten Hag implied the midfielder will start after a stellar full Premier League debut at the weekend.
7. CM: Scott McTominay
A midfield regular now, especially with Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Mason Mount out.
8. AM: Bruno Fernandes
An ever-present in the Champions League for United this season.
9. RW: Antony
Just missed out at the weekend with a minor knock, so should be fine to return immediately to the team.
10. ST: Rasmus Hojlund
It will be Martial or Hojlund up top, and we’ve tipped the latter to come back into the side despite his recent injury. The Dane scored twice in the reverse fixture at Old Trafford.
11. LW: Alejandro Garnacho
With Rashford out, Garnacho seems a shoo-in to start. That spectacular overhead kick on Sunday didn’t hurt his chances either.
